Dogon Abstract Figure Depicting Sniffing Dog

Nose down, tail down, legs going on forever: a dog on the trail of something important.

This abstract figure depicting a sniffing dog is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and contemporary. It is forged copper. Dogon smiths have long held a respected place in their communities, and metal figures remain an active part of the region's craft. The dog is reduced to a long, lean outline, its body a thin rippled sheet hung from a narrow back. Spindly legs bend at sharp angles, the neck stretches low, and a pointed muzzle almost touches the ground. A rough, hammered surface catches the light in brown and copper tones. It is 23 inches wide, 3.25 deep and 9 high.

All nose, no distractions.